Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi, a resident of Jambur village near Gir and belonging to the Siddi community, has been conferred with the Padma Shri award for her efforts in uplifting Siddi women and educating children.
During the Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his respect to Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, by bowing to her as she approached him.
๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ถ ๐๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ต๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐๐ผ ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ถ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐
Using the medium of radio and in collaboration with social organizations, Hirabai provided employment opportunities to women and educated them on the importance of opening bank accounts and saving money.
With the aim of providing basic education to Siddi children, she has set up multiple kindergartens. Furthermore, in 2004, she established the Mahila Vikas Foundation.
Her tireless efforts have positively impacted the lives of more than 700 women and countless children, making a significant difference to the Siddi community.
๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ถ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐
The Siddi community is a small ethnic group with African ancestry that resides primarily in India, particularly in the states of Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. They are believed to have migrated from Africa to India as slaves, merchants, or sailors, and over time, they assimilated into the Indian culture while also preserving their distinct traditions and practices.
They follow a syncretic faith that combines elements of Islam, Christianity, and traditional African religions. Agriculture, manual labor, and small-scale businesses are the primary sources of livelihood for the Siddi people.
Despite facing discrimination and social exclusion, the Siddi community has made significant contributions to Indian society, particularly in sports and the military. Many notable Siddi individuals have achieved success in various fields, including track and field, cricket, and the armed forces, among others.
